What is the Wind and Biopower Feasibility Study Incentive?  

The Feasibility Study Incentive is designed to promote development of customer sited wind energy and sustainable biopower projects by offering an incentive during the feasibility phase of the project. A feasibility study is a compilation of analytical tools and assessments that assist in determining the viability of a project. The incentive will provide financial support for sound engineering, financial, and legal analysis of projects to help improve the likelihood of the systems being built. It will also provide an opportunity for companies interested in pursuing projects with wind and biopower technologies to evaluate the feasibility of the projects without incurring all the financial burden. The study shall entail a comprehensive analysis that provides the necessary information to determine if a development project is technically, economically, and legally viable to allow the customer to make an informed “Go” or “No-Go” decision. A detailed outline of data required in the study has been developed to ensure consistency of formats and thoroughness of the study documentation.

Who is Eligible for the Wind and Biopower Feasibility Study Incentive?

The Feasibility Study Incentive is available to all New Jersey non-residential market segments that contribute to the Societal Benefit Charge (SBC) through the utility bill. Only behind the meter / net metered projects are eligible. The system(s) proposed must satisfy the current technical and program requirements as defined by the existing REIP program for wind or biopower equipment. The anticipated system size must be greater than or equal to 100 kW as justified through current 12 months historical energy consumption. All feasibility studies must be stamped by a licensed professional engineer. For wind systems, studies performed by a certified wind site assessor will also be acceptable. The size of the incentive awards will be determined by the expected size of the project. The NJCEP will pay up to 50% of the cost of the feasibility study not to exceed $50,000. The incentive payment will be paid in two equal installments. The first incentive payment will occur after completion of the feasibility study, and the second incentive payment will only occur if the wind or biopower project that was studied is completed, and will be paid after the installation is complete.

What is Necessary to Participate in the Feasibility Study Incentive?

To be eligible for the incentive, an applicant must submit an application packet to the REIP Program to request approval for a Feasibility Study Incentive. Please see packet below for a detailed list.

Wind and Biopower Feasability Study Packet

Applications that meet threshold eligibility requirements will qualify for the Feasibility Study Incentive. However if demand for studies exceeds the funding available, applications will be subject to a review by an evaluation committee. The projects will be ranked by a committee of experts, without conflict. Final awards will be determined based on indicators including, but not limited to:

• Scored reviews by the evaluation committee
• Funding availability
• Committee rankings
• Award recipient diversity (individual, non profit, profit, etc)
• Total amount of disbursement

Once the project is approved, a letter stating this and the terms and conditions will be mailed to the applicant and the installer. The completed feasibility study will need to be submitted to the NJCEP market manager within six months of the date of the approval letter. Upon acceptance by the NJCEP, the study is deemed complete, the processing team will set up payment for the first half of the incentive, and the completed studied will be posted on the NJCEP website.

The second half of the feasibility study incentive will be added to the rebate for the renewable system project only if the NJCEP approves the rebate for the studied system. This portion of the incentive will be paid upon completion of the studied project.

The feasibility study data will become public information. The NJCEP will institute a wind technical work group and a biopower technical working made up of interested stakeholders that would review of the results of the studies to provide input and justification for future program changes and enhancements.